Exploring the sonic landscape of The Weeknd’s illustrious career is akin to embarking on a journey through the depths of passion, pain, and unfiltered emotion. From his enigmatic beginnings to his meteoric rise to stardom, The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, has consistently mesmerized audiences with his haunting vocals, introspective lyrics, and genre-blurring soundscapes. As we delve into the realm of his discography, we encounter a plethora of timeless tracks that have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Crafting a definitive list of his top 10 songs is no small feat, as each composition serves as a testament to his artistic prowess and ability to captivate listeners on a visceral level.
From the melancholic echoes of “Wicked Games” to the infectious allure of “Blinding Lights,” The Weeknd’s repertoire boasts an array of masterpieces that transcend mere musical boundaries. His ability to seamlessly blend elements of R&B, pop, and electronic music has garnered him critical acclaim and a devoted global fanbase. In this exploration of his finest works, we embark on a voyage through the highs and lows of love, lust, and everything in between, guided by the haunting melodies and evocative lyrics that have solidified The Weeknd’s status as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
1. Earned It
“Earned It” by The Weeknd stands as a standout track in the artist’s repertoire, captivating audiences with its sultry R&B vibes and emotive lyrics. Featured on the soundtrack of the film “Fifty Shades of Grey,” this song quickly became a chart-topping sensation and one of The Weeknd’s most popular tunes of all time.
The song’s allure lies in its smooth, seductive melodies and The Weeknd’s distinctive vocals, which effortlessly convey a sense of desire and yearning. Its production blends elements of soul, pop, and contemporary R&B, creating a lush sonic landscape that perfectly complements the song’s thematic depth.
Lyrically, “Earned It” explores themes of love, passion, and devotion, with The Weeknd’s trademark introspection adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The chorus, with its compelling refrain “Cause girl, you’re perfect / You’re always worth it,” resonates with listeners, making the song both romantic and empowering.
“Earned It” not only showcased The Weeknd’s artistic evolution but also solidified his position as a powerhouse in the music industry. Its success on the charts and enduring popularity among fans make it a timeless classic and a definitive highlight of The Weeknd’s illustrious career.
2. I Feel It Coming (feat. Daft Punk)
“I Feel It Coming,” featuring Daft Punk, is a mesmerizing track by The Weeknd that transports listeners to a nostalgic era of disco and funk while maintaining a contemporary edge. This collaboration between The Weeknd and electronic music pioneers Daft Punk resulted in a sensational hit that has captivated audiences worldwide.
The song’s production is a masterful blend of retro and modern influences, with funky basslines, dreamy synths, and infectious rhythms that evoke a sense of euphoria. The Weeknd’s silky vocals glide effortlessly over the music, delivering a performance that is both soulful and evocative.
Lyrically, “I Feel It Coming” explores themes of romance and desire, with The Weeknd crooning about a newfound connection and the anticipation of love. The chorus, with its catchy refrain “I feel it coming, I feel it coming, babe,” is irresistibly catchy and adds to the song’s allure.
The collaboration with Daft Punk adds an extra layer of magic to the track, showcasing a seamless fusion of The Weeknd’s contemporary R&B style with Daft Punk’s signature electronic sound. The result is a timeless song that pays homage to the past while pushing musical boundaries forward.
“I Feel It Coming” quickly became a fan favorite and a chart-topping success, solidifying its place as one of The Weeknd’s most beloved songs of all time. Its infectious groove and undeniable charm continue to resonate with listeners, making it a standout in The Weeknd’s impressive discography.
3. Call Out My Name
“Call Out My Name” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad by The Weeknd that delves deep into themes of heartbreak and emotional vulnerability. Released as part of his EP “My Dear Melancholy,” this song quickly became a standout track and a favorite among fans.
The song’s production is minimalistic yet powerful, allowing The Weeknd’s emotive vocals to take center stage. With haunting piano melodies and subtle electronic elements, “Call Out My Name” creates an atmosphere of melancholy and introspection that resonates with listeners.
Lyrically, the song is deeply personal, with The Weeknd reflecting on a past relationship and the pain of realizing that his love was not reciprocated. The rawness of the lyrics, combined with The Weeknd’s soulful delivery, evokes a sense of raw emotion and vulnerability that is palpable throughout the song.
The chorus, with its poignant plea “Call out my name when I kiss you so gently,” captures the desperation and longing felt after a breakup, adding to the song’s emotional depth.
“Call Out My Name” showcases The Weeknd’s ability to translate personal experiences into captivating music that connects with a wide audience. Its raw honesty and heartfelt performance make it a standout track in The Weeknd’s catalog, highlighting his growth as an artist and storyteller.
4. Heartless
“Heartless” by The Weeknd is a bold and dynamic track that showcases a departure from his earlier sound, embracing a more energetic and rebellious tone. Released as a lead single from his fourth studio album “After Hours,” “Heartless” quickly became a chart-topping hit and a defining song in The Weeknd’s discography.
The song’s production features a pulsating beat and dark, atmospheric synths that create a sense of urgency and intensity. The Weeknd’s vocals exude confidence and defiance as he sings about indulging in hedonistic pleasures to numb the pain of a broken heart.
Lyrically, “Heartless” explores themes of excess, disillusionment, and emotional detachment, reflecting The Weeknd’s experiences navigating fame and personal relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of reckless abandon and self-destructive behavior, capturing the turmoil of seeking solace in superficial distractions.
The chorus, with its infectious refrain “I’m heartless, I’m on my own,” embodies the song’s unapologetic attitude and serves as a cathartic release of pent-up emotions.
“Heartless” represents a shift in The Weeknd’s artistic direction, showcasing a more experimental and edgy sound while retaining his signature style. Its success on the charts and its impact on pop culture cemented its status as one of The Weeknd’s most popular songs, resonating with audiences for its raw emotion and electrifying energy.
5. Often
“Often” by The Weeknd is a standout track renowned for its captivating blend of dark R&B and seductive lyricism. Released in 2014 as part of The Weeknd’s “King of the Fall” project, the song quickly gained popularity and has since become a fan favorite.
The song’s production, helmed by Ben Billions and The Weeknd himself, features a haunting melody that perfectly complements the provocative lyrics. “Often” delves into themes of hedonism, excess, and late-night escapades, narrated with The Weeknd’s signature smooth and soulful vocals.
The Weeknd’s ability to effortlessly convey a sense of intimacy and indulgence through his music is particularly evident in “Often.” The song’s explicit yet alluring lyrics combined with its infectious beat have contributed to its enduring popularity.
“Often” showcases The Weeknd’s distinctive style and marks a pivotal moment in his career, solidifying his position as a leading figure in contemporary R&B. Its success is a testament to The Weeknd’s knack for creating music that resonates with audiences seeking a mix of sensuality and sophistication.
6. Blinding Lights
“Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd is a modern pop anthem that has captivated audiences worldwide since its release in 2019. The song, characterized by its infectious ’80s-inspired synth-pop sound, is a standout track from The Weeknd’s album “After Hours.”
With its pulsating beat and catchy melody, “Blinding Lights” transports listeners to a nostalgic yet contemporary sonic landscape. The song’s production, crafted by The Weeknd along with Max Martin and Oscar Holter, is both energetic and emotive, creating a perfect backdrop for The Weeknd’s emotive vocals.
Lyrically, “Blinding Lights” explores themes of longing, isolation, and the search for connection in a fast-paced world. The song’s chorus, with its anthemic refrain “I’m blinded by the lights,” has become iconic and is instantly recognizable.
“Blinding Lights” has achieved immense commercial success, topping charts globally and earning critical acclaim for its innovative blend of retro and modern elements. Its music video, featuring The Weeknd navigating neon-lit cityscapes, further enhances the song’s allure and has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right.
Overall, “Blinding Lights” exemplifies The Weeknd’s ability to push creative boundaries while delivering a universally appealing sound that resonates with audiences of all ages.
7. Starboy (feat. Daft Punk)
“Starboy” by The Weeknd featuring Daft Punk is a dynamic collaboration that marked a significant moment in The Weeknd’s career. Released in 2016 as the lead single from his album of the same name, “Starboy” showcases a fusion of The Weeknd’s R&B style with Daft Punk’s electronic influences.
The song’s production is a standout element, with Daft Punk’s signature robotic synths complementing The Weeknd’s smooth vocals. “Starboy” is characterized by its infectious beat and catchy hook, making it an instant hit on the charts.
Lyrically, “Starboy” explores themes of fame, success, and transformation. The Weeknd reflects on his rise to stardom and the changes that come with it, capturing both the allure and challenges of celebrity life.
The music video for “Starboy” further emphasizes the song’s themes, featuring The Weeknd destroying his past persona and embracing a new, more extravagant identity. The visual aesthetic, combined with the song’s captivating sound, solidified “Starboy” as a defining moment in The Weeknd’s artistic evolution.
“Starboy” became a commercial success, topping charts worldwide and earning critical acclaim for its innovative production and compelling lyrics. The collaboration between The Weeknd and Daft Punk brought together two distinct musical styles, resulting in a memorable and influential track that continues to resonate with listeners.
8. The Hills
“The Hills” by The Weeknd is a dark and atmospheric track that became a massive hit upon its release in 2015. Featured on The Weeknd’s album “Beauty Behind the Madness,” “The Hills” showcases his trademark blend of R&B, pop, and alternative elements.
The song’s production, handled by Illangelo and The Weeknd, sets a haunting tone with its deep bassline and minimalist instrumentation. The Weeknd’s emotive vocals add depth to the song’s narrative, which explores themes of desire, temptation, and emotional turmoil.
Lyrically, “The Hills” delves into the complexities of fame and relationships, with The Weeknd reflecting on the darker aspects of his lifestyle. The song’s chorus, with its memorable refrain “I only call you when it’s half past five,” highlights a sense of urgency and longing.
“The Hills” received widespread acclaim for its moody atmosphere and introspective lyrics, resonating with audiences seeking music that explores raw emotions and vulnerability. The song’s music video, featuring surreal and unsettling imagery, further enhanced its enigmatic appeal.
Commercially, “The Hills” was a chart-topping success, solidifying The Weeknd’s status as a groundbreaking artist in contemporary music. Its impact continues to be felt within the music industry, inspiring a new wave of alternative R&B and pop artists to explore similar sonic landscapes.
9. Can’t Feel My Face
“Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd is an infectious pop hit that burst onto the music scene in 2015. Serving as the third single from The Weeknd’s album “Beauty Behind the Madness,” this song showcases a departure from his usual darker R&B sound to a more upbeat and danceable vibe.
The production of “Can’t Feel My Face,” led by Max Martin and Ali Payami, features funky guitar riffs and a groovy bassline that instantly hooks listeners. The Weeknd’s vocals shine as he delivers an electrifying performance filled with passion and energy.
Lyrically, the song metaphorically explores the euphoria of being in love and under the influence, with references to addiction and infatuation. The chorus, with its catchy refrain “I can’t feel my face when I’m with you, but I love it,” became a memorable anthem of summer romance.
The success of “Can’t Feel My Face” was unprecedented, topping charts globally and becoming one of The Weeknd’s most commercially successful songs. Its upbeat tempo and infectious melody appealed to a wide audience, earning critical acclaim for its catchy hooks and pop sensibilities.
The music video for “Can’t Feel My Face,” featuring The Weeknd’s electrifying live performance, further solidified the song’s popularity and cemented its status as a standout moment in The Weeknd’s discography.
10. Save Your Tears
“Save Your Tears” by The Weeknd is a captivating track that gained widespread acclaim upon its release in 2020. Featured on The Weeknd’s album “After Hours,” this song showcases his signature blend of ’80s-inspired synth-pop with modern R&B elements.
The production of “Save Your Tears,” crafted by The Weeknd along with producers Max Martin and Oscar Holter, features a pulsating beat and dreamy synths that create an atmospheric backdrop for The Weeknd’s emotive vocals. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious melody make it an instant standout.
Lyrically, “Save Your Tears” delves into themes of heartbreak and resilience, with The Weeknd addressing a past relationship and urging his partner to move on. The song’s poignant lyrics are delivered with sincerity and vulnerability, resonating with listeners on an emotional level.
“Save Your Tears” received critical acclaim for its polished production and introspective lyrics, further solidifying The Weeknd’s reputation as a visionary artist in contemporary music. The song’s music video, featuring The Weeknd’s striking visual aesthetic and surreal imagery, added depth to its narrative and enhanced its artistic appeal.
Commercially, “Save Your Tears” was a chart-topping success, continuing The Weeknd’s streak of hit singles. Its combination of heartfelt songwriting, innovative production, and captivating visuals has made “Save Your Tears” a standout track in The Weeknd’s impressive catalog.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
